Lonh is a 52-year-old plant farmer from Cambodia. He has three children, three grandchildren, and enjoys reading scripture in his free time.
Two years ago, Lonh developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing him blurry vision and irritation. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside.
When Lonh learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. Lonh needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for August 5.
He says, “I hope that after surgery, my eyes will no longer be irritated and I can go back to farming rice.”